The Great Mosque is an excellent example of the fusion of Chinese with the Islamic influence that came through the Silk Road. The mosque itself was built in the style of a Chinese temple with several courtyards, yet still maintains the details and rules of a Muslim mosque. The prayer hall is off-limits to non-Muslims as this is where Xi'an's sizeable Muslim population comes to pray. The mosque is located in the Muslim quarter and in order to reach it, one must pass through the maze of stalls selling gifts and trinkets in the ancient market.